Information providing system using code information

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a national stage of PCT/JP03/01255 filed Feb. 6, 2003 and is based upon Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-032632, filed Feb. 8, 2002 under the International Convention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an information-supply system that uses code information.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the development of communications and network technology, and with the advancement of computer technology, the representative standard of interactive media of the Internet is changing from narrow band to broadband.

In Japan, by adding an Internet function to portable telephones, there is an overwhelmingly larger number of Internet users that use the Internet using portable telephones (so-called browser-phone users) than compared with the number of Internet users that use a personal computer as in Europe or the United States.

Many of these users that use a browser phone enjoy electronic mail by portable telephone, and obtain information by accessing Web pages that correspond to a browser phone.

The Web address of a contents supplier is registered in the official menu of a carrier service by being authorized by a portable telephone company (so-called carrier). In this case, it is possible to access a Web page by accessing certain contents using the menu registered by the carrier.

However, in order to be registered by the carrier, there is a rather high hurdle or inspection that must be passed, and not everyone can be registered. Therefore, a non-registered contents supplier sends information using their own URL. This is called a so-called voluntary site.

However, in the case in which this kind of contents supplier uses a personal URL, the browser-phone user performs access by either accessing that URL using key input, or accessing a URL attached to an e-mail (web to).

However, the operation for this kind of inputting or selection of the URL is complicated. Therefore, the method used by most browser-phone users to access information simply is number-code access that uses a free-dial telephone number, for example. This is a method of converting Internet address information to specified number information, and Internet numbers or Chinese character (Kanji) URLs or the like are used. However, in this method, the numbers that can be used and the numbers and Chinese characters desired to be used by the user do not always match, and so from this aspect it is considered that there is still room for improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an information-supply system that uses code information that makes the use of interactive media more attractive by using code information and removing the problems mentioned above.

The information-supply system that uses code information according to the first claim of the invention comprises: a code-issuing server system that issues code information according to a request via a network; an information-supply server system that receives the issued code information via the network and manages the received code information; and a portable terminal having a imaging function that uses an imaging element, and that photographs the code information, obtains a Web address that is contained in the photographed code information, and accesses a Web page via the network using the obtained Web address; and where the information-supply server system supplies information to the portable terminal via the network in response to access from the portable terminal.

Also, the code-issuing server system can be such that it comprises a code-issuing-management server that manages the issued code information and supplies a JAVA (registered trademark) application that is used on the portable terminal side to decode the code information; and where the information-supply server system comprises an information-supply server that supplies various kinds of information in response to access from the portable terminal using the Web address; and where the portable terminal comprises: a reading unit that uses the JAVA (registered trademark) application to extract and read the code information that was photographed by the imaging element; a decoding unit that uses the JAVA (registered trademark) application to decode the code information that was read by the reading unit; a browsing-function unit, which by accessing the code-issuing-management server, downloads the JAVA (registered trademark) application, and after accessing a Web page according to the Web address decoded by the decoding unit and receiving detailed information from the accessed destination, displays that detailed information; a memory unit that stores the code information read by the reading unit and the downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application; and a control unit that controls the operation of each unit according to a specified control program.

Moreover, when the decoding unit decodes the code information and the control unit determines that the JAVA (registered trademark) application is not stored in the memory unit, the control unit sends an instruction to the browsing-function unit to download the JAVA (registered trademark) application.

Also, the code-issuing server system can be such that after a secret key is received from the information-supply server system, it encodes part of the character string of the code information to generate an encoded portion, and issues code information that is a combination of that encoded portion and an open portion; and where the information-supply server system comprises: an open-key management server that manages an open key for decoding the encoded portion of the code information; and a secret-key-management server that manages the secret key that is used when generating the encoded portion of the code information that is issued by the code-issuing server system; and where after the decoding unit decodes the open portion of the code information, the portable terminal performs access by the browsing-function unit based on the decoded information of the open portion.

Also, the browsing-function unit can be such that after the secret key is received by access based on information of the decoded open portion and after the encoded portion of the code information is decoded by the decoding unit using the secret key, it accesses a Web page based on the decoded Web address.

Moreover, the browsing-function unit can be such that after the secret key is received by access based on information of the decoded open portion, and after the encoded portion of the code information is decoded by the decoding unit using the secret key, it executes action according to the information of the decoded encoded portion.

Also, an IP address can be contained in the open portion of the code information, and information linked to the IP address can be contained in the encoded portion.

Moreover, the code information can be at least 2-dimensional code.

Also, the portable terminal can be such that it executes a specified function according to information contained in the photographed code information.

Also, the code information can be such that it comprises at least 2-dimensional code and bitmap information in addition to this 2-dimensional code, and where the function of reading at least the 2-dimensional code or the operation after reading can be changed according to the bitmap information.

Moreover, the Web address that is contained in the code information obtained on the side of the portable terminal can be such that it is decoded on the side of the code-issuing server system.

The information-supply method that uses code information according to the twelfth claim of the invention comprises: a first process of issuing code information by a code-issuing server system according to a request via a network; a second process of receiving the issued code information by the information-supply server system via the network and managing the received code information; a third process of photographing the code information by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element and obtaining a Web address contained in that photographed code information and then accessing a Web page via the network using the obtained Web address; and a fourth process of supplying information to the portable terminal via the network in response to access from the portable terminal.

Also, construction can be such that the first process includes a fifth process of managing the issued code information by a code-issuing-management server, and supplying a JAVA (registered trademark) application to be used by the portable terminal for decoding the code information; the second process includes a sixth process of supplying various kinds of information in response to access using the Web address from the portable terminal; and the third process includes: a seventh process of using the JAVA (registered trademark) application by a reading unit to extract and read the code information that was photographed by the imaging element; an eighth process of using the JAVA (registered trademark) application by a decoding unit to decode the code information read by the reading unit; a ninth process of downloading the JAVA (registered trademark) application by accessing the code-issuing-management server by a browsing-function unit, and then accessing the Web page based on the Web address decoded by the decoding unit, receiving detailed information from the accessed destination and displaying that detailed information; a tenth process of storing the code information read by the reading unit and the downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application in a memory unit; and an eleventh process of controlling the operation of each unit by a control unit according to a specified control program.

Moreover, the eleventh process can be such that it includes a twelfth process of sending an instruction to the browsing-function unit to download the JAVA (registered trademark) application when it is determined that the JAVA (registered trademark) application is not stored in the memory unit when the decoding unit decodes the code information.

Moreover, the eleventh process can be such that it includes: a thirteenth process of encoding part of the aforementioned character string by the code-issuing server system to generate an encoded portion when the secret key is received from the information-supply server system, and issuing code information that is a combination of that encoded portion and open portion; a fourteenth process in which the information-supply server manages an open key for decoding the encoded portion of the code information by the open-key-management server; and a fifteenth process in which a secret-key-management server manages the secret key that is used when generating the encoded portion of the code information that is issued on the side of the code-issuing server system; and can also include a sixteenth process in which when the open portion of the code information is decoded by the decoding unit, the portable terminal performs access by the browsing-function unit based on the information of the decoded open portion.

Also, the sixteenth process can be such that it includes a seventeenth process in which after the secret key is received by performing access based on the information of the decoded open portion, and after the decoding unit decodes the encoded portion of the code information using the secret key, the browsing-function unit performs access of the Web page based on the decoded Web address.

Also, an IP address can be contained in the open portion of the code information and a Web address can be contained in the encoded portion.

The code information can be at least 2-dimensional code.

Moreover, the Web address contained in the code information obtained on the side of the portable terminal can be such that it is decoded on the side of the code-issuing server system.

The program executes the information-supply method that uses code information of any of the following processes:

1. a first process of issuing code information by a code-issuing server system according to a request via a network; a second process of receiving said issued code information by an information-supply server system via said network and managing said received code information; a third process of photographing said code information by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element and obtaining the Web address contained in said photographed code information and then accessing a Web page via said network using said obtained Web address; and a fourth process of supplying information by said information-supply server system to said portable terminal via said network in response to access from said portable terminal.

2. A first process of issuing code information by a code-issuing server system according to a request via a network; a second process of receiving said issued code information by an information-supply server system via said network and managing said received code information; a third process of photographing said code information by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element and obtaining the Web address contained in said photographed code information and then accessing a Web page via said network using said obtained Web address; a fourth process of supplying information by said information-supply server system to said portable terminal via said network in response to access from said portable terminal; a fifth process of managing said issued code information by a code-issuing-management server, and supplying a JAVA (registered trademark) application to be used by said portable terminal for decoding said code information; said second process includes a sixth process of supplying various kinds of information by an information-supply server in response to access using said Web address from said portable terminal; and said third process includes: a seventh process of using the JAVA (registered trademark) application by a reading unit to extract and read said code information that was photographed by an imaging element; an eighth process of using said JAVA (registered trademark) application by a decoding unit to decode said code information read by said reading unit; a ninth process of downloading said JAVA (registered trademark) application by accessing said code-issuing-management server by a browsing-function unit, and then accessing said Web page based on the Web address decoded by said decoding unit, receiving detailed information from the accessed destination and displaying that detailed information; a tenth process of storing said code information read by said reading unit and said downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application in a memory unit; and an eleventh process of controlling the operation of each unit by a control unit according to a specified control program.

3. A first process of issuing code information by a code-issuing server system according to a request via a network; a second process of receiving said issued code information by an information-supply server system via said network and managing said received code information; a third process of photographing said code information by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element and obtaining the Web address contained in said photographed code information and then accessing a Web page via said network using said obtained Web address; a fourth process of supplying information by said information-supply server system to said portable terminal via said network in response to access from said portable terminal; a fifth process of managing said issued code information by a code-issuing-management server, and supplying a JAVA (registered trademark) application to be used by said portable terminal for decoding said code information; said second process includes a sixth process of supplying various kinds of information by an information-supply server in response to access using said Web address from said portable terminal; and said third process includes: a seventh process of using the JAVA (registered trademark) application by a reading unit to extract and read said code information that was photographed by an imaging element; an eighth process of using said JAVA (registered trademark) application by a decoding unit to decode said code information read by said reading unit; a ninth process of downloading said JAVA (registered trademark) application by accessing said code-issuing-management server by a browsing-function unit, and then accessing said Web page based on the Web address decoded by said decoding unit, receiving detailed information from the accessed destination and displaying that detailed information; a tenth process of storing said code information read by said reading unit and said downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application in a memory unit; an eleventh process of controlling the operation of each unit by a control unit according to a specified control program; and the eleventh process includes a twelfth process of sending an instruction to said browsing-function unit to download said JAVA (registered trademark) application when it is determined that said JAVA (registered trademark) application is not stored in said memory unit when said decoding unit decodes said code information.

4. A first process of issuing code information by a code-issuing server system according to a request via a network; a second process of receiving said issued code information by an information-supply server system via said network and managing said received code information; a third process of photographing said code information by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element and obtaining the Web address contained in said photographed code information and then accessing a Web page via said network using said obtained Web address; a fourth process of supplying information by said information-supply server system to said portable terminal via said network in response to access from said portable terminal; and a thirteenth process of encoding part of said character string by said code-issuing server system to gentrate an encoded portion when a secret key is received from said information-supply server system, and issuing said code information that is a combination of that encoded portion and an open portion; a fourteenth process in which said information-supply server manages an open key for decoding the encoded portion of said code information by an open-key management server; a fifteenth process in which a secret-key management server manages said secret key that is used when generating the encoded portion of said code information that is issued on the side of said code-issuing server system; and a sixteenth process in which when open portion of said code information is dedoced by said decoding unit, said portable terminal performs access by said browsing-function unit based on the information of said decoded open portion.

5. A first process of issuing code information by a code-issuing server system according to a request via a network; a second process of receiving said issued code information by an information-supply server system via said network and managing said received code information; a third process of photographing said code information by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element and obtaining the Web address contained in said photographed code information and then accessing a Web page via said network using said obtained Web address; a fourth process of supplying information by said information-supply server system to said portable terminal via said network in response to access from said portable terminal; a fifth process of managing said issued code information by a code-issuing-management server, and supplying a JAVA (registered trademark) application to be used by said portable terminal for decoding said code information; said second process includes a sixth process of supplying various kinds of information by an information-supply server in response to access using said Web address from said portable terminal; and said third process includes: a seventh process of using the JAVA (registered trademark) application by reading unit to extract and read said code information that was photographed by an imaging element; an eighth process of using said JAVA (registered trademark) application by a decoding unit to decode said code information read said reading unit; a ninth process of downloading said JAVA (registered trademark) application by accessing said code-issuing-management server by a browsing-function unit, and then accessing said Web page based on the Web address decoded by said decoding unit, receiving detailed information from the accessed destination and displaying that detailed information; a tenth process of storing said code information read by said reading unit and said downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application in a memory unit; an eleventh process of controlling the operation of each unit by a control unit according to a specified control program; a thirteenth process of encoding part of said character string by said code-issuing server system to generate an encoded portion when a secret key is received from said information-supply server system, and issuing said code information that is a combination of that encoded portion and an open portion; a fourteenth process in which said information-supply server manages an open key for decoding the encoded portion of said code information by an open-key-management server; a fifteenth process in which a secret-key-management server manages said secret key that is used whenn generating the encoded portion of said code information that is issued on the side of said code-issuing server system; and a sixteenth process in which when the open portion of said code information is decoded by said decoding unit, said portable terminal performs access by said browsing-function unit based on the information of said decoded open portion.

6. A first process of issuing code information by a code-issuing server system according to a request via a network; a second process of receiving said issued code information by an information-supply server system via said network and managing said received code information; a third process of photographing said code information by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element and obtaining the Web address contained in said photographed code information and then accessing a Web page via said network using said obtained Web address; a fourth process of supplying information by said information-supply server system to said portable terminal via said network in response to access from said portable terminal; and a thirteenth process of encoding part of said character string by said code-issuing server system to generate an encoded portion when a secret key is received from said information-supply server system, and issuing said code information that is a combination of that encoded portion and an open portion; a fourteenth process in which said information-supply server manages an open key for decoding the encoded portion of said code information by an open-key-management server; a fifteenth process in which a secret-key-management server manages said secret key that is used when generating the encoded portion of said code information that is issued on the side of said code-issuing server system; a sixteenth process in which when the open portion of said code information is decoded by said decoding unit, said portable terminal performs access by said browsing-function unit based on the information of said decoded open portion; and the sixteenth process includes a seventeenth process in which after said secret key is received by performing access based on the information of said decoded open portion, and after said decoding unit decodes the encoded portion of said code information using said secret key, said browsing-function unit performs access of said Web page based on said decoded Web address.

7. A first process of issuing code information by a code-issuing server system according to a request via a network; a second process of receiving said issued code information by an information-supply server system via said network and managing said received code information; a third process of photographing said code information by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element and obtaining the Web address contained in said photographed code information and then accessing a Web page via said network using said obtained Web address; a fourth process of supplying information by said information-supply server system to said portable terminal via said network in response to access from said portable terminal; a fifth process of managing said issued code information by a code-issuing-management server, and supplying a JAVA (registered trademark) application to be used by said portable terminal for decoding said code information; said second process includes a sixth process of supplying various kinds of information by an information-supply server in response to access using said Web address from said portable terminal; and said third process includes: a seventh process of using the JAVA (registered trademark) application by a reading unit to extract and read said code information that was photographed by an imaging element; an eighth process of using said JAVA (registered trademark) application by a decoding unit to decode said code information read by said reading unit; a ninth process of downloading said JAVA (registered trademark) application by accessing said code-issuing-management server by a browsing-function unit, and then accessing said Web page based on the Web address decoded by said decoding unit, receiving detailed information from the accessed destination and displaying that detailed information; a tenth process of storing said code information read by said reading unit and said downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application in a memory unit; an eleventh process of controlling the operation of each unit by a control unit according to a specified control program; a thirteenth process of encoding part of said character string by said code-issuing server system to generate an encoded portion when a secret key is received from said information-supply server system, and issuing said code information that is a combination of that encoded portion and an open portion; a fourteenth process in which said information-supply server manages an open key for decoding the encoded portion of said code information by an open-key-management server; a fifteenth process in which a secret-key-management server manages said secret key that is used when generating the encoded portion of said code information that is issued on the side of said code-issuing server system; a sixteenth process in which when the open portion of said code information is decoded by said decoding unit, said portable terminal performs access by said browsing-function unit based on the information of said decoded open portion; and the sixteenth process includes a seventeenth process in which after said secret key is received by performing access based on the information of said decoded open portion, and after said decoding unit decodes the encoded portion of said code information using said secret key, said browsing-function unit performs access of said Web page based on said decoded Web address.

A program that executes the information-supply method that uses code information of any one of the processes set out above in 1-7 is recorded on the recording medium on which a program is recorded that executes the information-supply method that uses code information of any one of the processes set out above in 1-7 of the invention.

In the information-supply system that uses code information of this invention, the code-issuing server system issues code information according to a request via a network, a information-supply server system receives the issued code information via the network and manages the received code information, a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element photographs the code information, obtains a Web address that is contained in the photographed code information and accesses a Web page via the network using the obtained Web address, and an information-supply server system supplies information to the portable terminal via the network in response to access from the portable terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a drawing showing a first embodiment of an information-supply system that uses code information of the present invention.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a flowchart for explaining the information-supply method of the information-supply system that uses code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a drawing showing a second embodiment of the information-supply system that uses code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> having changed construction.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a drawing for explaining the operation of the information-supply system that uses code information shown in FIG. <b>3</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the information-supply system that uses code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A to 6E</figref> are drawings for explaining cases in which the configuration of the code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> has been changed.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a drawing for explaining the case when the configuration of the code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> has-been changed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the supplied drawings.

Embodiment 1

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a drawing showing a first embodiment of the information-supply system that uses code information of the present invention; and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a flowchart for explaining the information-supply method of the information-supply system that uses code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the information-supply system that uses code information comprises: a code-issuing server system <b>10</b>, an advertiser server system <b>20</b> and a portable telephone <b>30</b>. The code-issuing server system <b>10</b>, advertiser server system <b>20</b> and portable telephone <b>30</b> are such that they can communicate with each other via the Internet <b>40</b> as a network. This network is not limited to the Internet <b>40</b> and could also be a dedicated line or the like.

The code-issuing server system <b>10</b> issues 2-dimensional code information, for example, as code information according to a request from the advertiser, and it comprises a code-issuing-management server <b>11</b>. The code-issuing-management server <b>11</b> manages the 2-dimensional code information that is issued according to the request from the advertiser, as well as provides a JAVA (registered trademark) application for decoding the 2-dimensional code information that is used on the side of the portable telephone <b>30</b>.

The advertiser server system <b>20</b> that functions as an information-supply server system manages 2-dimensional code information that is issued by the code-issuing server system <b>10</b>, and it comprises an advertiser server <b>21</b>. The advertiser server <b>21</b> supplies various kinds of information according to access using 2-dimensional code information from the portable telephone <b>30</b>.

The 2-dimensonal code information that is issued can be printed and distributed in distribution materials for example. The distribution materials could include newspapers, magazines, advertisements, company pamphlets, folded leaflets or inserts, OOH (Out Of Home) media, POP, tickets, calling cards, tags, etc.

By printing 2-dimensional code information in these distribution materials, not only does it become possible to direct the user to an advertising campaign site from the portable telephone <b>30</b>, it also becomes possible to use the materials in various kinds of businesses such as ticket reservations and accounting (or payment), sales, accounting (or payment) services, TV program programming services, B<b>2</b>B or the like.

Also, as described above, by printing 2-dimensional code in distribution materials in this way, it is not necessary to register a Web address by authorization from the portable telephone company (so-called carrier), and thus it becomes easier for any kind of business to participate, and it is possible to provide an environment in which it is easier to create new businesses. In other words, in the service provided by a current carrier, there are two kinds of sites: official sites and non-official sites (called so-called free sites). There would be no problem if all contents and services were designated as official sites, however, certification on the side of the carrier is difficult and takes time, so it is difficult for all sites to become official sites.

Incidentally, in pay services such as dial Q<b>2</b> services provided by a telephone company as well, services are provided in which similarly the contents owner and service destination are bundled. This is in order that the communication lines of the telephone company are not allowed to be used freely. Therefore, it becomes possible for the telephone company to freely cancel services that are considered by the telephone company to be bad services (indecent services, etc).

On the other hand, the Internet does not perform this kind of action, so the sender and user judge a Web site through free dealing. In this case, it is presumed that the user receives the service while performing a certain judgment, and as one method, based on correlation with paper media, service information is obtained from the paper media and it is determined whether or not to jump to the service site. The carrier does not control these services, but rather business is carried out in a relationship of trust between the sender and user, so as a result, it is possible for any kind of business to participate.

Also, for a browser-phone user that uses a portable telephone <b>30</b>, access by entering a URL, access by selecting a URL that is attached to an e-mail (web to), or access by entering information converted to numbers or Chinese characters (Kanji) onto a specific page is not necessary.

The portable telephone <b>30</b>, which functions as a portable terminal, has an imaging function that uses a camera having an imaging element which is a CCD, and comprises: a CCD reading unit <b>31</b>, decoding unit <b>32</b>, browser-phone function unit <b>33</b>, memory unit <b>34</b> and control unit <b>35</b>.

The CCD reading unit <b>31</b> reads image data that is photographed by the CCD camera. Here, the image data can be either still images or moving images as long as they can be obtained by the imaging element. In this embodiment, QR code <b>51</b> is extracted and read as 2-dimensional code information that is printed in printed materials <b>50</b> such as magazines or the like. The QR code <b>51</b> that is read by the CCD reading unit <b>31</b> is temporarily stored in the memory unit <b>34</b>.

The decoding unit <b>32</b> decodes the QR code <b>51</b> that was read by the CCD reading unit <b>31</b>. When decoding the QR code <b>51</b>, a JAVA (registered trademark) application, which is decoding software, is used. This JAVA (registered trademark) application can be downloaded by accessing the code-issuing-management server <b>11</b>. The downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application is stored in the memory unit <b>34</b>.

The browser-phone function unit <b>33</b>, which functions as the browsing function unit, accesses a Web page based on the Web address that was decoded by the decoding unit <b>32</b> according to a specified control program, and after receiving detailed information such as a packet from the accessed destination, it displays that detailed information on the screen of the portable telephone <b>30</b>. Also, the browser-phone function unit <b>33</b> is such that is performs the download of the JAVA (registered trademark) application.

The QR code <b>51</b> that is read by the CCD reading unit <b>31</b> and the downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application are stored in the memory unit <b>34</b>. The control unit <b>35</b> controls the operation of each component according to a specified control program.

Next, the information-supply method of the information-supply system that uses the 2-dimensional code having this kind of configuration will be explained.

First, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, after the CCD camera of the portable telephone <b>30</b> photographs the QR code <b>51</b> as the 2-dimensional code information to be printed in the printed materials <b>50</b> such as magazines (step <b>201</b>), the CCD reading unit <b>31</b> reads that photographed QR code <b>51</b> (step <b>202</b>).

The QR code <b>51</b> read by the CCD reading unit <b>31</b> is temporarily stored in the memory unit <b>34</b> (step <b>203</b>). After the QR code <b>51</b> is stored in the memory unit <b>34</b>, the decoding unit <b>32</b> decodes the QR code <b>51</b>. At this time, decoding of QR code <b>51</b> is executed by calling up the JAVA (registered trademark) application, which is decoding software for decoding the QR code <b>51</b>, from the memory unit <b>34</b>, however, when the control unit <b>35</b> determines that the JAVA (registered trademark) application is not stored (step <b>204</b>), the browser-phone function unit <b>33</b> accesses the code-issuing-management server <b>11</b> according to an instruction from the control unit <b>35</b>, and the JAVA (registered trademark) application is downloaded (step <b>205</b>). The downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application is then stored in the memory unit <b>34</b> (step <b>206</b>).

After the JAVA (registered trademark) application has been obtained in this way, the decoding unit <b>32</b> decodes the QR code <b>51</b> (step <b>207</b>). At this time, the Web address is obtained by decoding the QR code <b>51</b> (step <b>208</b>), and the browser-phone function unit <b>33</b> accesses the Web page based on that Web address (step <b>209</b>). Also, after receiving detailed information such as a packet from the accessed destination (step <b>210</b>), that detailed information is displayed on the screen of the portable telephone <b>30</b> (step <b>211</b>).

In this way, in the first embodiment, the code-issuing server system <b>10</b> issues 2-dimensional code information according to a request via the Internet <b>40</b>, and after the advertiser server system <b>20</b> receives the issued 2-dimensional code via the Internet <b>40</b>, the advertiser server <b>21</b> manages the received 2-dimensional code, and the portable telephone <b>30</b>, having an imaging function that uses a CCD camera, photographs the 2-dimensional code information and obtains the Web address that is contained in the photographed 2-dimensional code information, and then uses the obtained Web address to access the Web page via the Internet <b>40</b>, then in response to access from the portable telephone <b>30</b>, the advertiser server system <b>20</b> supplies information to the portable telephone <b>30</b> via the Internet <b>40</b>.

In this way, as in the past, even though the contents supplier does not register their own Web address in the menu of the carrier service by receiving authorization from the portable telephone company (so-called carrier), it is possible to print and distribute the 2-dimensional code information that is issued by the code-issuing server system <b>10</b> in distribution materials such as advertisements, company pamphlets, folded leaflets or inserts, OOH media, POP, tickets, calling cards, tags, etc., so it becomes possible to easily direct many browser-phone users to interactive media.

On the other hand, many browser-phone users that use portable telephones <b>30</b> can access a desired Web page by using the CCD camera in their portable telephone <b>30</b> to photograph the 2-dimensional code information that is printed in distributed materials, so there is no need to enter the contents supplier's own URL as was done conventionally, and it is possible to very easily and accurately access interactive media.

Embodiment 2

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a drawing showing a second embodiment in which the construction of the information-supply system that uses code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> has been changed, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> are drawings for explaining the operation of the information-supply system that uses code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. In the drawings explained below, the parts that are common with the parts in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> are given the same reference numbers, and any redundant explanation is omitted.

In the information-supply system that uses 2-dimensional code information shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the advertiser-server system <b>20</b> comprises an open-key-management server <b>22</b> and a secret-key-management server <b>23</b>.

The open-key-management server <b>22</b> controls an open key for decoding the encoded part of the QR code <b>51</b> as 2-dimensional code information for example, and this open key will be described later. The secret-key-management server <b>23</b> controls a secret key that is used when generating the encoded part of the QR code <b>51</b> that is to be issued by the code-issuing server system <b>10</b>.

Here, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> for example, the QR code <b>51</b> that is issued by the code-issuing-server system <b>10</b> has an open portion and an encoded portion. The open portion of the QR code <b>51</b> contains open information such as the IP address of the advertiser server system <b>20</b>. Moreover, the encoded portion of the QR code <b>51</b> contains necessary information such as the encoded Web address. The secret key mentioned above is used when generating the encoded portion of the QR code <b>51</b>. It is possible for the encoded portion of the QR code <b>51</b> to contain tag information such as CGI (Common Gateway Interface) information. In this case, the advertiser server system <b>20</b> can perform processing according to requests from the Web, as well as can provide the processed information to the portable telephone <b>30</b>.

Here, several rows of URL information, for which it is desired to have the user jump to, are converted and encoded in the QR code <b>51</b>. Two kinds of information are converted as information when converting URL information. One kind is the service destination management IP address of the open portion. The other is the necessary information of the encoded portion. More specifically, in the case where a distribution destination performs a mobile EC service using the company contents on the company site, the service destination management IP address that accumulates the information for this service (open portion) is taken to be <b>23476987</b>, and the address of the mobile EC site that performs the service is taken to be ‘www.m-service.com/mec/index.html’. In this example, the service destination management IP address ‘<b>23476987</b>’ and the CGI tag information is decoded from the QR code information inside the portable telephone <b>30</b>.

Next, processing jumps to the service destination management IP address ‘<b>23476987</b>’. Here, the secret key is received and obtained, then the address ‘www.m-service.com/mec/index.html’ of the mobile EC site that performs the serve is obtained and processing jumps to the service destination.

Next, the information-supply method of the information-supply system that uses 2-dimensional code information having this kind of configuration will be explained.

First, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, when the code-issuing server system <b>10</b> issues QR code <b>51</b> according to a request from the advertiser for example, the secret key is received from the secret-key-management server <b>23</b> (step <b>501</b>). By using this secret key, the encoded portion, which is the encoded part of the character string of the QR code <b>51</b>, is generated (step <b>502</b>). By generating that encoded portion, QR code <b>51</b> having both an open portion and encoded portion is issued (step <b>503</b>). The issued QR code <b>51</b> is printed in printed materials <b>50</b> such as magazines and widely distributed.

When the QR code <b>51</b> that is printed in printed materials <b>50</b> such as magazines is photographed by the CCD camera of the portable telephone <b>30</b> (step <b>504</b>), the CCD reading unit <b>31</b> reads that photographed QR code <b>51</b> (step <b>505</b>). The QR code <b>51</b> that is read by the CCD reading unit <b>31</b> is temporarily stored in the memory unit <b>34</b> (step <b>506</b>). After the QR code <b>51</b> has been stored in the memory unit <b>34</b>, the decoding unit <b>32</b> decodes the QR code <b>51</b>. At this time, decoding of the QR code <b>51</b> is executed by calling up the JAVA (registered trademark) application, which is the decoding software for decoding the QR code <b>51</b>, from the memory unit <b>34</b>, however when the JAVA (registered trademark) application is not stored in the memory unit <b>34</b> (step <b>507</b>) the JAVA (registered trademark) application is downloaded by accessing the code-issuing-management server <b>11</b> as was described above (step <b>508</b>). The downloaded JAVA (registered trademark) application is then stored in the memory unit <b>34</b> (step <b>509</b>).

After the JAVA (registered trademark) application has been obtained in this way, the decoding unit <b>32</b> decodes the open portion of the QR code <b>51</b> (step <b>510</b>). At this time, for example, the IP address of the advertiser server system <b>20</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is obtained by decoding the QR code <b>51</b> (step <b>511</b>), and the browser-phone-function unit <b>33</b> sends an e-mail based on that IP address (step <b>512</b>).

At this time, an e-mail with the secret key attached is sent to the portable telephone <b>30</b> from which there was access according to the response from the secret-key-management server <b>23</b> of the advertiser server system <b>20</b> (step <b>513</b>).

After the portable telephone <b>30</b> receives that secret key, the JAVA (registered trademark) application that is stored in the memory unit <b>34</b> decodes the encoded portion of the QR code <b>51</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> (step <b>514</b>). Here, after the Web address is obtained from that encoded portion by decoding (step <b>515</b>), the browser-phone-function unit <b>33</b> accesses the Web page based on that Web address (step <b>516</b>). Also, after receiving detailed information such as a packet from the accessed destination (step <b>517</b>), that detailed information is displayed on the screen of the portable telephone <b>30</b> (step <b>518</b>).

In this way, in this second embodiment, there is an open portion and encoded portion in the 2-dimensional code information, and decoding of the encoded portion is performed according to a secret key that is obtained from the secret-key-management server <b>23</b> of the advertiser server system <b>20</b> that requested to issue the 2-dimensional code information, and various information from the advertiser server system <b>20</b> is supplied to the portable telephone <b>30</b> from which there was access based on the IP address of the open portion.

Moreover, since various information is supplied only to the portable telephone <b>30</b> from which there was access, not only does it become easy to manage the portable telephone <b>30</b> from which there was access, but it is also possible to easily create security and eliminate any improper use.

In this second embodiment, the case of decoding the encoded portion by the portable telephone <b>30</b> by using a secret key that is obtained from the secret-key-management server <b>23</b> was explained, however, the invention is not limited to this example, and when sending an e-mail from the portable telephone <b>30</b> based on the IP address, it is also possible to attach the encoded portion to that e-mail, and then to return the decoded information of that encoded portion from the secret-key-management server <b>23</b> to the portable telephone <b>30</b>.

Also, in this second embodiment, the case was explained in which a Web address was contained in the encoded portion of the 2-dimensional code information, however, the invention is not limited to this example, and it is also possible for tags such as cgi, SSI, ASP or the like to be contained in that encoded portion. In this case, not only is it possible to increase the variation of kinds of information that can be supplied from the advertiser server system <b>20</b> according to these tags, but it is also possible to provide an environment that makes it easy for any kind of business to participate, and that makes it easy to create new businesses.

Also, in this second embodiment, by setting effective date and time information for the secret key in the secret-key-management server <b>23</b>, it is possible to set an effective time limit for the code itself, therefore it is possible to limit access from code information that was given in back numbers of magazines for example, and it is possible to easily limit the effective period for entry access for a prize or present promotion. Moreover, in the case where code information linked to contents that violate public morality is released, or in the case where code information that is issued by some kind of improper procedure is released, it is possible to prevent improper use by having the secret-key-management server <b>23</b> remove correspondence to the information or destroy the secret key that corresponds to that information. In each of the embodiments described above, the case was explained in which the 2-dimensional code information was QR code, however, the invention is not limited to this example, and it is possible to use other code that has 2-dimensional information in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Also, in each of the embodiments described above, the case was explained in which 2-dimensional code information was photographed using a portable telephone <b>30</b> having an imaging function that uses a CCD camera, however, the invention is not limited to this example, and it is also possible to provide the portable telephone <b>30</b> with a function such as bluetooth or the like that decodes code information wirelessly. In this case, it is not necessary to install a CCD camera in the portable telephone <b>30</b>.

Moreover, in each of the embodiments described above, the case was explained in which only QR code <b>51</b> was used as the 2-dimensional code information, however, the invention is not limited to this example, and as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, it also possible to add bitmap information to the QR code <b>51</b>.

In other words, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, it is also possible to add bitmap information as an icon <b>51</b><i>a </i>for explaining the contents of the application. In this case, information such as the Web address and mail address, which are the contents of the QR code <b>51</b>, is read by the portable telephone <b>30</b> together with the bitmap information. By displaying the bitmap information for the read icon <b>51</b><i>a </i>when referencing the information of the contents of the QR code <b>51</b> using the control screen of the portable telephone <b>30</b>, it is possible to visually display those contents.

Also, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6B</figref>, it is possible to add bitmap information as a rectangular-shaped image <b>51</b><i>b</i>. The consortium of company A and company B is shown in this rectangular-shaped image <b>51</b><i>b</i>. In this case, the shape of the rectangular-shaped image <b>51</b><i>b </i>can be taken to be a verification key, and it is possible to prevent access to the consortium of company A and company B unless the shape of the rectangular-shaped image <b>51</b><i>b </i>is a specified shape, which is an effective measure from the aspect of security.

Also, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6C</figref>, bitmap information can be added as an application switch image <b>51</b><i>c</i>. In other words, by making the application switch image <b>51</b><i>c </i>an icon of a memo pad, an icon of a calling card, an icon for inventory, etc., it is possible to switch the application among memo-information software, calling-card-information software, inventory software, etc. that is to be activated by the QR code <b>51</b>.

Also, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6D</figref>, it is possible to add another barcode <b>51</b><i>d </i>as the bitmap information. This barcode <b>51</b><i>d </i>information is read separately from the QR code <b>51</b>, and based on this information, it is possible to change the operation of the application while reading or after reading the QR code <b>51</b>. For example, it is possible to change the confirmation sound after the QR code <b>51</b> has been read. This barcode <b>51</b><i>d </i>could also be QR code.

Moreover, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6E</figref>, bitmap information can be added as extended QR code <b>51</b><i>e</i>. In this case, information for the advertisement itself can be contained in the QR code <b>51</b>, and information about the printed materials in which the advertisement will be carried can be contained in the extended QR code <b>51</b><i>e</i>. By dividing the information into QR code <b>51</b> and extended QR code <b>51</b><i>e </i>in this way, it is possible to increase the speed of reading the QR code <b>51</b> or extended QR code <b>51</b><i>e </i>even when there is a large amount of information.

Also, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, by changing the color of the rectangular line <b>51</b><i>f </i>that surrounds the QR code <b>51</b>, it is possible to switch the function of the respective bitmap information. Also, by indicating the area of the bitmap information that is related to the QR code <b>51</b> by the graphic form <b>51</b><i>f </i>of the rectangular line that surrounds or is placed around the QR code <b>51</b> and by changing either the color or shape or both of that graphic form <b>51</b><i>f </i>it is possible to change the function of the respective bitmap information.

As a specific example of supplying information using this embodiment is a music trial-listening service that uses a portable telephone. This is a service in which after the QR code <b>51</b> printed at the side of new music information that is introduced in the music column of a town information magazine is photographed by the portable telephone <b>30</b>, the photographed QR code <b>51</b> is decoded in the portable telephone <b>30</b>, and for example, the service access number ‘<b>45984521</b>’ is obtained and the information-supply server ‘<b>45984521</b>’ is accessed, the secret key is received and the music trial-listening service destination is accessed, and after the music trial-listening service has been accessed, the music to be listened to flows to the portable telephone <b>30</b> from the server.

Also, there is a ticket-purchasing service that uses mobile commerce. This is a service in which, after QR code <b>51</b> that is printed in and advertisement for reserving theater tickets that are introduced in the advertisements of a newspaper, for example, is photographed by the portable telephone <b>30</b>, the photographed QR code <b>51</b> is decoded in the portable telephone <b>30</b>, and for example, the service access number ‘<b>12345678</b>’ is obtained and the information-supply server ‘<b>12345678</b>’ is accessed, the secret key is received and the ticket-reservation service destination is accessed. Also, by entering desired-date information after the ticket-reservation service destination has been accessed, it is possible for the portable telephone <b>30</b> to reserve the desired tickets.

Moreover, in the embodiments described above, the case was explained in which the QR code <b>51</b> is decoded by the decoding unit <b>32</b> of the portable telephone <b>30</b>, however, the invention is not limited to this example, and it is possible to send the QR code <b>51</b> to be decoded to the code-issuing server system <b>10</b>, for example, and then to receive the information of the QR code <b>51</b> that was decoded by the code-issuing server system <b>10</b>. In this case, there is no need for a decoding unit <b>32</b> in the portable telephone <b>30</b>.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, with the information-supply system that uses code information of this invention, a code-issuing server system issues code information according to a request via a network, and an information-supply server system receives that issued code information via the network, then that received code information is managed and that code information is photographed by a portable terminal having an imaging function that uses an imaging element, a Web address that is contained in the photographed code information is obtained, and a Web page is accessed via the network using that obtained Web address, then an information-supply server system supplies information to the portable terminal via the network according to access from the portable terminal, so it is possible to easily and accurately direct a user to interactive media using code information.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

<ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0101"><b>10</b> Code-issuing server system</li><li id="ul0001-0002" num="0102"><b>11</b> Code-issuing-management server</li><li id="ul0001-0003" num="0103"><b>20</b> Advertiser server system</li><li id="ul0001-0004" num="0104"><b>21</b> Advertiser server</li><li id="ul0001-0005" num="0105"><b>22</b> Open-key-management server</li><li id="ul0001-0006" num="0106"><b>23</b> Secret-key-management server</li><li id="ul0001-0007" num="0107"><b>30</b> Portable telephone</li><li id="ul0001-0008" num="0108"><b>31</b> CCD reading unit</li><li id="ul0001-0009" num="0109"><b>32</b> Decoding unit</li><li id="ul0001-0010" num="0110"><b>33</b> Browser-phone-function unit</li><li id="ul0001-0011" num="0111"><b>34</b> Memory unit</li><li id="ul0001-0012" num="0112"><b>35</b> Control unit</li><li id="ul0001-0013" num="0113"><b>40</b> Internet</li><li id="ul0001-0014" num="0114"><b>50</b> Printed materials</li><li id="ul0001-0015" num="0115"><b>51</b> QR code</li><li id="ul0001-0016" num="0116"><b>51</b><i>a </i>Icon</li><li id="ul0001-0017" num="0117"><b>51</b><i>b </i>Rectangular-shaped image</li><li id="ul0001-0018" num="0118"><b>51</b><i>c </i>Application switch image</li><li id="ul0001-0019" num="0119"><b>51</b><i>d </i>Barcode</li><li id="ul0001-0020" num="0120"><b>51</b><i>e </i>Extended QR code</li><li id="ul0001-0021" num="0121"><b>51</b><i>f </i>Rectangular line</li></ul>